Monday, September 26, 2011

I'm so thrilled to share this must-have item for all new moms who plan to, or are interested in cloth diapering! Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering by Kelly Wels is a newly-released, comprehensive guide that discusses every aspect of this eco-friendly, reusable option. This beautiful little book was written by leading modern cloth diaper expert Kelly Wels, and is certainly great at dispelling the myths of cloth and eases the minds of parents who are looking into joining the modern cloth diaper movement.

I was so skeptical and scared of all the complexities there seemed to be when I first looked into cloth diapering over 1 1/2 years ago. As an experienced cloth diapering mama, I now know there doesn't need to be that fear or anxiety about it, and this book will surely get any parent in the right direction without having to search the internet for hours, days, and months like I did! I wish this book was available back then!

I LOVE this book! My favorite chapter is actually Chapter 1: Why Choose Cloth Diapers? This seems to be the number one question I get from people who find out that I use cloth, so I've enjoyed reading more about Kelly's thoughts on this. She gives 5 reasons for why you should choose cloth, one of which is my #1 reason also: It's best for baby! This section even goes through what's in a disposable diaper, and breaks down the yucky chemicals inside. I'm so glad she includes this!

In fact, I switched to cloth after a disposable diaper's "new" version gave my son a full-body rash for 3 days when he was about 15 months old. This horrifying experience brought the reality of the harsh chemicals used in disposable diapers to light, and my hubby (yes, I have my hubby to thank!) mentioned trying cloth diapers. I never in a million years would have thought that cloth could be fun, and come with such a wonderful cloth diapering community that has such a beautiful camaraderie full of helpful advice and support when you need it. It's truly amazing.

I also really enjoyed Chapter 2 which covers the basics "cloth diaper talk". At the beginning of my cloth journey, I wanted to run in the other direction many times just because there is SO much information out there about cloth diapering. The terms are confusing, there are so many styles, brands, and materials to consider, and the overwhelming task of it all could potentially discourage any parent. Kelly does an especially amazing job at covering all the ins and outs of every style of cloth diaper, with illustrations included. The basics no longer have to be confusing! You can begin to easily understand everything you need to know about accessories and different materials in this chapter too. Kelly has made this all so easy!

Changing Diapers has random facts, quotes, and testimonials from moms throughout the book. It makes the entire book a very easy read, and makes it fun. I'm not a book-reader (although I wish I were!), BUT, this book is absolutely enjoyable. It also includes tips, tricks, and advice for going back to work, cloth diapers and daycare, and cloth diapering multiples. Learn how to even wash your cloth diapers properly, and learn how to troubleshoot issues like build-up, ammonia smells, and leaking diapers. There's even a whole chapter dedicated to dads and diapers, and some words of wisdom from dads who love cloth too. I'm so glad my hubby didn't need convincing though! :)

The pregnant Mama-To-Be's perspective (my sister-in law!):

We are fortunate now a days to have so many options in cloth diapering but to the new mom it can be a little overwhelming. With the book Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering, you can figure out just what you'll need to start yet another new adventure. This book teaches you all you'll need to know about cloth diapering. From the new language you'll need to learn to the best way of treating stinky diapers. I know this will be a go-to in the future when our cloth diapering adventure begins in about a month and I am truly thankful to have it. I recommend this to any parent who is interested in cloth diapering. It will help a lot!

Price: $17.95 (totally worth it!), BUT, get 50% off with code REYNOLD at checkout through the link below! Code expires October 22, 2011. The Verdict: This is the PERFECT gift to educate and help moms who are unsure of cloth diapering for any number of reasons that do, and will occur. It includes every aspect of cloth diapering you could imagine! From the ins and outs of cloth diapering, to the benefits to your wallet and the planet. As a proud cloth diapering mom, I LOVE and adore this book too!

One winner will receive their choice of a OS Fuzzibunz diaper OR a OS Rumparooz diaper (Winner can choose brand, but not color)! The winner will also receive an eco-friendly temporary tattoo that says, "I’m a Hip Mom and Love Cloth Diapers"!

How to Enter:

In the Rafflecopter form below, simply click on "Click for Instructions", complete the task, and then click "I Did This." Then enter your name and email address. Do this for each task you wish to complete! You must enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Comments are only accepted as a form of entry if an entry option requires a blog post comment.

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Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product(s) to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. This post contains affiliate links.

I'm new to cloth diapering but am determined to try it with my second child who is due on Christmas Day. The main reason why I am choosing to cloth is the cost factor of disposable diapers. Cloth diapering is way more economical!

I would say to just try it. There are plenty of stores that do trials for a minimal fee ($10/$15 usually), if you're too scared to invest and fail, get a diaper sprayer, and enter blog giveaways! Much of our stash was funded by giveaways and it's a great way to try lots of different brands!

My advice would be to try several different diapers before you invest in a big stash of one certain type. It takes trial and error to find the best diapering system that will work for you and your baby. :)smoo06 at yahoo dot com

I would say go with One Sized, it is more economical. I would also say to try a few different brands to find the one you really love. Also I would say, Warning: Cloth is addictive!mmjohnson555@gmail.comGFC: Mechele Johnson

this will be our first time using cloth, but we are super excited about it, and have created a stash of several different kinds to determine which one we like best, our baby boy is due in november, so we are needing all the advice we can get!! LOL

My best advice would be to get a sampler pack of diapers to try out to see what you like. You can always sell the ones you don't like (or keep them for later. Some of the ones I didn't like initially are in regular circulation now).

Don't buy only one type of diaper before you try a few different brands. Prefolds/covers might work wonderfully for one baby/family, but for another family it might be easier to use Pockets.mummytocharis at yahoo dot com

my best advice is to try many different brands. you don't need a whole stash right from the get go so don't be afraid to try different brands. we were so certain bumgenius would be perfect for us, and while i do love them, it would be awesome to be able to expand our horizons.

My best advice is to try out different kinds and styles of diapers. Keep a variety Pockets, pre-folds, fitteds, covers, because as your baby grows their needs change and your preferences may change as well.

My best advice is this: Don't give up if don't fid the perfect solution right away. Don't be afraid to change your routine and try new things. If one diaper leaks, try something else. Not every options works the same for every baby.

My best advice to parents new to cloth diapering would be to do a trial program. It's a great way to try a few things out and see what you like without being committed to anything. I would also suggest to buy gently used to save money in the beginning.fmgrice2(at)yahoo(dot)com

I've been CD'ing for 3weeks now and I love it! I decided to CD my son when I was about 15weeks along after many weeks of research. It's just much better for my baby's bottom and has a much better impact on mother earth!

My advice would be to try as many different styles/brands as possible. There are great deals to be found on For Sale or Trade forums, where you can buy a variety of used, and sometimes new, diapers to try out. You might be surprised at what styles end up working best for you!

My best advice would be to research the different styles and brands and try a few before building your whole stash from one type. I never thought I would use the old school flats that I received at my shower but now I use them everyday!

My advice would be to try a few of one brand/style before you invest in buying all of your diapers. You may be surprised to find that the diaper you least expected to work will be best for your little one. Be willing to learn and ask for help when you need it! Don't let yourself get intimidated or overwhelmed either!

As a grandparent to cloth diapered grandchildren I wasn't happy about the decision to convert to cloth diapers BUT it's not as bad as I thought it would be & because recycling has always been a part of my life I'm proud my daughter does this.carriedust@yahoo.com

My advice would be to try a variety of different diapers. Certain diapers will work better on your baby and even at different times (naps, bedtime, out and about, etc.) So instead of purchasing a bunch of all the same diaper, try a few different types and brands and find out what works best for you and your baby.

My tip is this: As gross as it may seem at first, throw your newborn cloth diaper right in the wash (poop and all) The newborn poo is water soluable and comes out just fine. Don't waste water, time, and effort, rinsing out the poo first

my advice would be to start off small! not to buy a whole stash of one particular brand sight unseen. It's ok to take a month or two to transition to cloth as you figure out what you like and use.mary michaudsimplymerry at gmail dot com

I'm new to cloth diapering. I chose it since I didn't want to spend a ton of money on disposables with two babies in diapers again. As for Advise, to cut down on leaks Check your child's diaper at least every hour to see if they need changing.Melyndaranchlamb at peoplepc dot com

I cloth diapered when cloth was only for poor people but I mentally thought of all that money I was saving our family that we could use for more things like heat and food. My advice would be organization is the key to smooth cloth diapering. If you can't afford them put them on your list of needs for your baby shower then buy 1 each week. Soon you will have enough and not have to pay that awful expense!Gladys Psps1113 at yahoo dot com

My best advice is to try at least a few different brands and types instead of getting a stash of all one kind. My favorites change all the time depending on the stage and weight my baby is in and also depending on my own personal preferences.

What everyone else said! :-P Seriously though, don't invest in a bunch of one diaper until you have tried it (and other brands). You may be surprised to find that you like something that you thought you would hate. Also, it may take time to get a good fit with certain brands. My daughter was within the weight range for some diapers but it was almost impossible to get them to fit properly, and now they fit beautifully. They may not be my favorite of the stash, but they do the job. If it's your first baby and you're having a shower, put them on your registry! Lots of them! I wish I would have had that foresight! :-) onliquidice at gmail dot com

I am relatively new to cloth diapering but made the switch for environmental reasons. The cost factor and the cute factor are really close seconds. I am still trying to work on convincing my friends to make the switch.

My best advice would be to do what works for you when it comes to your laundering technique. Everyone has a different routine and there's no one way to do it, so find what works and stick with it rather than trying to adhere to what someone else does.glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

I am new to cloth diapering and started it due to money saving as well as environmental effects. But I would also recommend to anyone who chooses to start cloth diapering to use cloth wipes from day one because they are super easy to use (unlike what I originally thought).

My advice is to get some feedback from other moms about what they like, also talk to some moms online or on forums etc. Diaper Swappers is a great place to get good priced diapers sometimes. Especially if you know what you want. Be sure you are getting a good deal though. Have the basic pamphernilia before you get started so you won't get so frustrated. Its hard to go wrong with prefolds, covers, and a snappi at first. Get two or 3 wetbags also. Thats my advice!

My advice is to not get overwhelmed. There is s much info out there it can be daunting. You don't have to know everything to get started, just pick a few diapers you think will fit your needs and go for it. Also don't be afraid to buy second hand, it can save a lot of money.

Hmmm, my best advice... It's really not as "hard" as it might sound! Cloth dipes can be just as easy as disposable, except you wash 'em instead of throw them away. Try different brands & types to find what you like best. Don't be afraid to try "old school" methods. After 2.5 years of cloth diapering, I just tried out some flats with my second baby and realized I actually like them! If using one-size ones, they won't fit super great on a newborn. Keep you washing routine simple - rinse, wash, rinse. Have fun with it! Get a couple cute prints=)

My best advice is to just go for it. Cloth is just as easy as disposables these days. And don't just bulk buy one kind of diaper, because you may have preferences after trying a few different types out.

My advice: Try several brands; don't stock up on all one kind until you know what you like and what fits your baby the best. Also, you'll need to plan for a larger diaper bag to accomodate the added bulk.